Time switch



NOV. 9, 1948. RNS 2,453,193

TIME SWITCH Filed Feb. 15, 1946 5 Sheets-Sheet 1 A. K. BURNS Nov. 9, 1948.

TIME SWITCH 3 Sheets-Sheet 2 Filed Feb. l5, 1946 A. K. BURNS Nov. 9, 1948.

TIME SWITCH SSheets-Sheet 3 Fi1ed.Feb. 15, 1946 Patented Nov. 9, 1948 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE TIME SWITCH Andrew K. Burns, Narberth, Pa., assignor to Chrontroller Corporation, Newport, N. H.

Application February 15, 1946, Serial No. 647,892

15 Claims. 1

This invention relates to new and useful improvements in timing devices, and more particularly to a time switch device that is operable to complete an electric circuit at a predetermined time and to break such circuit at the expiration of a predetermined interval of time.

An object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved timing device of the stated character which may be employed in conjunction with electrical appliances of the household type to initiate operation thereof at a given future time and to discontinue such operation after the lapse of a given interval of time.

Another object of the invention is to provide a novel and improved time switch which is portable and self-contained and embodies features of construction and arrangement whereby it may be readily and easily connected into the circuit of a selected electrical appliance to control operation thereof when, and for as long as, desired.

A further object of the present invention is to provide a novel and improved time switch device having the features and characteristics set forth which is of relatively simplified inexpensive construction, and entirely foolproof and accurate in operation.

These and other objects of the invention, and various features and details of the construction and operation thereof, are hereinafter fully set 9 forth and described with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

Fig. 1 is a perspective view of a timing device made according to the present invention.

Fig. 2 is an enlarged sectional view taken lengthwise through the casing of the device of Fig. 1 and presenting an elevational view of the internal mechanism of said device.

Fig. 3 is an enlarged sectional view taken longitudinally through center of the device shown in Fig. 1.

Fig. 4 is a sectional view taken on line 44, Fig. 2.

Fig. 5 is a fragmentary side elevational view taken on line 5-5, Fig, 4.

Fig. 6 is a sectional view taken on line 6B, Fig. 2.

Fig. 7 is a fragmentary elevational view partially in section taken on line l-l, Fig. 2.

Fig. 8 is a sectional view taken on line 8-8, V

Fig. 2.

Fig. 9 is a side elevational view of the disclosure of Fig. 8.

Fig. 10 is a fragmentary plan view of the device; and

Fig. 11 is a view in perspective of an element of the device.

Referring now more particularly to the drawings, the time switch device made according to the present invention is generally designated by the numeral 1 and comprises an outer casing structure constructed and arranged, for example, as shown in Fig. 1. This casing 2 may be of suitably colored plastic material or may be chromium or other finished metal as desired to afford the device an attractive external appearance for use in conjunction with household appliances of modern decor and design. This casing structure 2 is open at the bottom and secured inwardly thereof, for example by means of screws 3, is a bottom or base plate 4 which supports the time switch mechanism hereinafter described. The arrangement is such that the screws 3 may be unfastened to permit withdrawal of the base plate 4 together with the switch mechanism for purposes of repair, adjustment and the like,

Secured to the inner or upper surface of the base plate 4 is a pair of vertical frame plates 5 and 6, respectively, which extend longitudinally of the base plate 4 in spaced parallel relation with respect to one another. Journaled in the frame plates 5 and 6 adjacent one end thereof are the opposite ends of a shaft 1 which extends transversely of the base plate 4 and casing 2. As shown in Fig. 8 of the drawings, the central or mid-portion of the shaft l is of greater diameter than the end portions thereof thus providing spaced annular shoulders 8 on the shaft 1 inwardly from its opposite ends. A pair of reels 9 and If! are journaled on the reduced end portions of the shaft 7, for example by means of bushings l I, which are mounted on said shaft intermediate the shoulders 8 and the adjacent frame plates 5 and 6',- respectively. By this construction it will be apparent that the reels 9 and H! are free to rotate upon the shaft 1 independently of each other.

The reels 9 and ID are biased or tensioned in a counterclockwise direction with respect to Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings by means of clock-type springs 12 and I3, respectively. As best shown in Figs. 3 and 8 of the drawings, the inner ends of these springs l2 and 53 are fixedly anchored to a transverse pin [4 which is carried by a flange or enlarged disk portion [5 that is fixed to or forms a part of the shaft 1. The outer ends of the springs 12 and I3 are fixedly secured to transverse pins 16 and I1, respectively, carried by the reels 9 and I!) adjacent their peripheries.

As shown in Fig. 8, for the purpose of pre-tensioning the springs l2 and 13 or to adjust the initial tension thereof from time to time as may be required, there is provided on one end of the shaft 1 a key or the like l8 which may be manually operated to actuate the shaft l in a counter-- clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 3 to wind the said springs l2 and i3 and thereby increase the initial tension thereof to the desired degree. In order that the shaft i may be secured in the position to which rotated by the handle I8 to retain the adjusted initial tension in the springs l2 and I3, the opposite end of said shaft 1 is provided with a flat i3 and mounted on this end of the shaft is a washer member 26 having a correspondingly configurated central opening therein and provided with one or more radial slots 2! in its periphery for engagement with a laterally projecting pin 22 on the frame plate 6. The washer member 2!] is removably retained upon the end of the shaft 7, for example, by means of a nut or the like 23.

It will be observed, of course, that before the shaft 1 may be actuated by the key [8 to adjust the tension the springs i2 and I3 as described, it is necessary that the nut 23 first be removed and that the washer member 20 be removed from engagement with the laterally projecting pin 22. When this has been done the shaft 7 may be rotated to tighten or loosen the springs I2 and I3 to provide the desired tension, after which the washer member 20 is replaced upon the end of the shaft 7 and the appropriate slot 21 therein engaged with the pin 22 to secure said shaft 7 against further rotation and thus maintain the desired tension in the springs 12 and I3.

Secured to the reels 9 and NJ for rotation therewith are drums 24 and 25, respectively, and wound on these drums 24 and 25 are tapes 26 and 21. At shown in Fig. 9, the-e tapes 26 and 21 are each marked and graduated in minutes of time, for example, from zero to 12 hours. The tapes 26 and 2'! have their inner ends fixedly secured to the drums 24 and 25, respectively, as indicated at 28 in Fig. 3, and the outer or free end portions of said tapes extend from the drums 24 and 25 over a support or bridge element 29, and are respectively connected to a second pair of drums 30 and 3|, re"pectively, as indicated at 32 in Fig. 3 of the drawings. The bridge 29 which supports the span of the tapes 26 and 27 between their respective sets of drums is secured at the underside of the top portion of the casing 2 beneath a window opening 33 therein and through which the graduated markings on the tapes may be visually observed.

The drums 38 and 3| are secured to and carried by a second pair of reels 34 and 35, respectively, which are journaled by means of bushings 3E and 31 upon a transversely extending shaft 38 which has its opposite end portions journaled by means of bushings 33 and 40 in the frame plates and 6 as shown in Fig. 4 of the drawings. The reels 34 and 35 are provided with knurled or serrated peripheries as indicated at 4! and the diameter of said reels is such that they project outwardly through elongated slots 42 provided in the casing structure 2 for example as shown in Fig. 1 of the drawings, so that said reels may be manually rotated to set the time switch device in the manner hereinafter more particularly described. As in the case of the reels 9 and I0, the reels 34 and 35 are arranged so that they may rotate upon the shaft 38 independently of, each other.

Secured upon the shaft 38 intermediate the reels 34 and is a hub member 43 which may be fixed to said shaft for rotation therewith, for example, by means of a pin or the like 44 engaging diametrically therethrough. Fixed on the hub 43 for rotation therewith and with the shaft 38 are ratchet disks 45 and 46, and cooperatively associated with these ratchet disks are pivotally mounted pawls 41 and 48, respectively, the said pawl 4'! being carried by the reel 34 and the pawl 48 being carried by the reel 35. The pawls 41 and 48 are biased into engagement with the teeth of the ratchet disks 45 and 46, respectively, by means of coil springs 49 and 50. These pawl and ratchet mechanisms are constructed and arranged, for example as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawings, so as to permit the reels 34 and 35 to rotate relative to the shaft 38 in the clockwise direction and to prevent relative rotation of the said reels with respect to said shaft in the counterclockwise direction.

Carried by each of the tapes 26 and 27 adjacent the ends thereof which are anchored to the drums 34 and 35, respectively, are stop members 5| and 52 which are positioned longitudinally of the tapes so that when said tapes are in the zero time setting or position with respect to the window opening 33 in the top portion of the casing 2, for example as shown in Fig. 10, the said stop members 5| and 52 are engaged within slots 53 and 54 of the bridge member 29 and against the central portion of the latter to prevent further winding of the tapes upon the drums 24 and 25 under the tension or bias of the springs l2 and [3 (see Figs. 3 and 11).

In addition to limiting rewind of the tapes 26 and 21 upon the drums 24 and 25 as described, the stops 5i and 52 serve also to actuate a suit able switch 55 to complete an electrical circuit at a predetermined future time and then, after a predetermined lapse of time, to open said electrical circuit. As shown in the drawings, the switch 55 may be of the mercury type suitably retained between the resilient fingers 56 of a support 57 which is carried by a bracket 58 of generally inverted L-shape. The vertical leg portion 59 of this bracket 58 has secured therein a lateral stub shaft 66 which is rotationally journaled in a bushing 6i secured in an opening through an upstanding plate 62 secured transversely between the side frame plates 5 and 5, for example, by means of rivets or the like 63. By this construction the switch 55, its supports 51 and the bracket 58 are supported as a unit by the stub shaft 60 for pivotal movement relative to the plate 62.

As shown in Figs. 3 and 7 of the drawings, the plate 62 has a depending central portion 64 that is formed into generally U--shap e and pro vided with a notch or recess 65 in the upstanding free end portion thereof which engages between the bifurcated lower end portions of a leaf spring 66. The upper end of this leaf spring 66 likewise is bifurcated and engages in a notch 6'! provided in the lower edge of the vertical leg portion 59 of the switch bracket 58. This leaf spring 66 operates in the customary manner to cause the mercury switch 55 and its associated mounting to snap into the on or off position thereof as soon as pivotal movement of the switch in either direction passes dead center position of the leaf spring.

Pivotal actuation or rocking movement of the bracket 58 and switch 55 carried thereby is effected by means of a pair of vertically extending rods 68 and 69, respectively. These rods 68 and 69 are pivotally connected at their lower ends to the vertical leg portion 59 of the switch bracket 58, for example, as shown in Figs. 6 and 7 of the drawings. At their upper ends the rods 68 and 59 are pivotally connected to the arms 10 and I I, respectively, of bell cranks 12 and 13. The bell cranks l2 and 13 are rotationally mounted upon a shaft 14 which extends transversely of the device and has its end portions mounted in cars 15 formed at the upper end of the plate 82. The other arms of the bell cranks I2 and 13 carry resilient fingers l and 11, respectively, which extend upwardly, for example as shown in Figs. 2 and 6 of the drawings, and have their upper ends disposed in the path of movement of the stops 5| and 52, respectively, carried by the tapes 26 and 2'1.

The described construction and arrangement of the bell cranks i2 and 13, together with their associated resilient fingers l5 and TI and switch actuating rods 68 and 59, respectively, is such that, when the finger l! is in the position shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings, the finger 16 Will be in the position in which it is shown in Fig. 2. In the particular positions of the resilent fingers l6 and 11 shown in Fig. 2, the switch 55 is in the off or open circuit position, and by virtue of the construction shown and described, movement of the finger TI to the right with respect to Fig. 2 of the drawings will cause the other finger 16 to be moved to the left with respect to Fig. 2, thus interchanging the illustrated positions of these fingers and actuating the switch 55 to the on or closed circuit position thereof.

The tape 2! and its associated drums and reels constitute mechanism which is adapted to be predeterminedly set to control the duration of time that the switch 55 will remain in the on or closed circuit position, and the tape 26 and its associated drums and reels constitute mechanism which is adapted to be predeterminedly set to control the time at which it is desired that the switch 55 be actuated to the on or closed circuit position. Assuming now that both of the tapes 25 and 21 are in the zero set positions shown in the drawings and that the said tapes are wound upon the drums of the spring 'tensioned reels 9 and to the full extent permitted by their respective stops 5! and 52 engaging against the bridge 29 as previously described. The reel 35 is actuated in a clockwise direction with respect to Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawing by manually engaging the peripheral portion 4| thereof which projects outwardly through the corresponding slots 42 of the casing 2. Clockwise movement of the reel 35 operates to unwind the tape 21 from its drum 25 and simultaneously to wind it upon the lrum 3! carried by said reel 35, movement of the said tape 2? taking place in a right hand direction with respect to Fig. 2.

As the tape 21 moves to the right with respect to Fig. 2 as described. the stop 52 carried thereby engages the finger i1 carried by the bell crank 13 thereby actuating said finger to the right in a clockwise direction to ra se the rod 9 wh in turn pivots the bracket 58 and switch 55 in a clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 6 of the drawing, and into the on or closed circuit position. As manual actuation of the reel 35 in a clockwise direction continues to further wind the tape 27 upon the drum 3!, the stop 52 clears the upper end of the finger H and seats itself in a notch or recess provided therefor in the surface of the drum 3| (compare notch 80 in drum 30).

When the reel 35 has been actuated in the man ner described to position the desired time indi cation upon the tape 21 beneath the casing window 33, the reel 34' is similarly actuated manually, likewise in the clockwise direction, to unwind the tape 26 from its drum 24 and wind it upon the drum 30 associated with said reel 34. Traverse of the tape 26 likewise takes place from left to right with respect to Figs. 2 and 3 of the drawings, and as this traverse of the tape 23 commences the stop 5| carried thereby engages the res l ent finger 16 and moves the same from left to right into the position shown in Fig. 2, thereby raising the rod 68 to pivot the switch 55 into the off or open circuit position thereof, and simultaneously cause the resilient finger 17 to be returned to the left hand position shown in Fig. 2 of the drawings. As manual actuation of the reel 34 in a clockwise direction continues to further wind the tape 25 upon the drum 30, the stop 5| clears the upper end of the finger l6 and seats itself in a notch or recess provided therefor in the surface of said drum 30.

As previously stated, the tape 2'! and its associated drums and reels constitute the mechanism which controls the duration of time that the switch 55 is intended to remain in the on or closed circuit position, and the tape 25 and its associated drums and reels constitute the mechanism which controls the time at which it is desired that the said switch 55 be actuated to said on or closed circuit position. Accordingly, in the intended operation of the device the reel 35 is first manually actuated in the manner described until the desired time indication on the tape 2'! appears through the window 33 in the top of the casing structure 2. When this setting has been made the reel 34 likewise is manually actuated as described to wind the tape 26 on drum 30 until the desired time indication on the tape 25 is observed through the casing window 33. Thus, if it is desired, for exam-pie, that the switch 55 be in the on or closed circuit position for a period of say 15 minutes commencing at a time 8 hours subsequent to the setting of the device, the reel 35 is actuated to wind the tape 2? on drum 3| until the time indication for 15 minutes is observed through the window opening 33 and the reel 34 is then actuated to wind the tape 28 on the drum 3% until the time indication for 8 hours is observed through said window.

Now it will be apparent that as the tapes 2% and 2! are unwound from their drums 2d and 25 and wound upon the drums 311 and 3! as described, the tension of the clock-type springs i2 and I3 acting on the reels 9 and it! and. tending to rewind the tapes 25 and 21 on said drums 24 and 25 will progressively increase, and accord ingly mechanism is provided to control the rewind traverse of the tapes 26 and 21 at a predetermined constant speed of travel corresponding to the time indication markings on said tapes. Referring to Fig. 4 of the drawings, rewind of the tapes 26 and 2? under the tension of the springs l2 and I3 is effected in the present embodiment of the invention by a conventional clock-type escapement mechanism which is suitably housed within a casing 81 and constructed and arranged so that rewind of the tapes 26 and 2'! takes place at the rate of one revolution per hour of the sets of drums. The take-off gear 32 of the escapement mechanism is operatively connected to the shaft 38 (on which the time setting reels 34 and 35 are journaled) through an axially slidable stub shaft 83 which carries a pinion 85 that meshes with the escapement mechanism gear 82. The stub shaft 83 has driving connection with the shaft 38 by reason of a pin 83a that is secured in the shaft 38 and extends through a slot 85 in said stub shaft 83. This sliding connection between stub shaft 83 and the reel shaft 38 is provided so that the pinion 85 may be disengaged from the escapement gear 32 to allow the tapes 2B and 2! to return to their zero time positions free of control of the escapement mechanism, for example, in the event that a mistake should be made in setting the time indication on either of the tapes 26 and 21 thus requiring the resetting thereof.

In order to prevent entirely unrestrained return of the tapes 2% and 27 to their zero time positions when the shaft 38 is disconnected from the escapement control mechanism as described, there is provided at the opposite end of said shaft 38 a transverse pin 86 which carries a brake .ioe til that is actuated by centrifugal force against the bias of a spring 88 into frictional engagement with the internal surface of an annular brake drum 89, this providing sufficient braking force to the shaft 38 to prevent damage to the parts of the device under such circumstances.

In addition, since rewind of the switch-on duration tape 2? is not intended to commence until completion of the rewind of the tape it, mechanism is provided in the device for holding the reel 35 and its drum 3! against rotation to prevent rewind Of the said tape Zll until rewind movement of the tape 26 has been completed. Referring now to Figs. 8, 6 and 7 of the drawings, this is accomplished in the illustrated embodiment of the present invention by means of a friction brake wheel 90 which is adapted to engage against the periphery of the reel 35 and hold the same against rotation. The brake wheel 80 is eccentrically mounted upon a transverse shaft 95 that has its opposite end portions journaled in ears 92 and 53 formed at opposite sides of the previously mentioned plate 62, the said brake wheel 90 being fixed on said shaft 9| for rotation therewith. The shaft HI and brake wheel are biased rotationally in the clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 3 by means of a spring 963 (see Figs. 6 and 7) so that the brake wheel 20 normally is urged away from engagement with the periphery of the reel 35. The shaft 9i is actuated in the counterclockwise direction to frictionally engage the brake wheel 92 against the periphery of reel 35 by means of an arm 95 which is fixed on the shaft 0| and extends into the path of travel of a pin 95 carried by the reel 3 3, the arrangement being such that as the reel 3 moves in the clockwise direction with respect to Fig. 3 the pin 96 engages the arm 95 moving the same likewise in the counterclockwise direction to impart a corresponding rotational movement to the shaft 05 and brake wheel 00 thereby engaging the latter against the surface of the reel 35.

The arm 95 is retained in the position to which actuated by the pin 90 to maintain the brake wheel 00 in holding position against the reel 35 by means of a suitable latch mechanism. This latch mechanism comprises a collar 01 which is fixedly mounted upon the shaft 9| (see Figs. 6 and 7) and this collar comprises an eccentrically formed portion 98 which provides a shoulder 99 over which the hook portion I00 of a latch member I0! is adapted to engage. The latch member IOI is pivotally mounted upon a shaft L02 which'has'its end portions rotationally mounted in ears I03 and I04 pressed outwardly from the transverse vertical plate 02. The latch member it i also comprises'an arm portion I05 which projects more or less in the opposite direction from the hook portion I00 and this arm portion l i355 is adapted to engage against the periphery of a cam disk I06 that is fixed upon and movable with the pin 60 of the supporting bracket 58 which pivotally supports the switch 55, the latch member IIlI being rotationally biased in the clockwise direction and against the cam I05 by means of a spring I 01.

The cam disk I06 is confiurated and circumferentially fixed on the pin 60 so that when the switch 55 and its bracket 58 are in the off or open circuit position shown in the drawings the cam disk I06 will be in the position shown in Fig. 7 wherein the low contour of the cam is presented t the arm I05 of the lever IOI so that the spring it? which tends to urge the latch member i0I in the clockwise direction causes the hook portion I00 thereof to be in contact against the surface of the eccentric portion 98 of the collar 9'! as shown in Fig. 3 of the drawing. On the other hand, when the switch 55 is in the on position, the position of the cam disk I06 is such that the high contour thereof moves the latch member E0. in the counterclockwise direc tion against the action of the spring I07 thereby removing the hook portion I00 from contact With the shoulder 98 of the collar 9i, thus allowing the spring at to actuate the shaft 9| in clockwise direction together with the brake wheel Bil which is thereby removed from braking engagement with the periphery of the reel 35.

There is mounted, for example at one end of the casing 2 of the device, an electrical socket or the like Hi8 which is arranged to receive the conventional prong type plug connector I00 at the end of the cord I I 0 of the particular appliance to he time-controlled by the device. One terminal of the socket I08 has connected thereto a conductor i I I which leads through the device and outwardly of the other end thereof through a cord or the like M2 to the usual plug type connector (not shown) at the other end thereof, The other terminal of the socket I98 is connected by a con-- ductor lit to one terminal IM of the switch 55 and the other terminal II5 of said switch 55 has connected thereto a conductor II6 which leads outwardly of the device through the previously mentioned cord lit to the plug type connector (not shown) at the end thereof, said connector being adapted to be inserted in the usual wail type socket or outlet connected into the electrical circuit of the home or building. By reason of the electrical connections described, it will be seen that when the switch 55 of the device is in the on or closed circuit position an electrical circuit will be completed through the device to the particular appliance that is plugged into the socket I08 and that when the switch 55 is in the off or open circuit position no electrical current will flow to the appliance.

While a particular embodiment of the present invention has been illustrated and described herein, it is not intended to limit the invention to such disclosure and changes and modifications may be made therein and thereto within the scope of the claims.

I claim:

1. In a time switch of the character described. a pair of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, means to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously to rewind the same, means to control rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions thereof at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, means operable to prevent rewind of one of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of the other of said tapes, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said other tape operable at the termination of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said one tape, and means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof.

2. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, means to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously to rewind the same, control means operable to effect rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions thereof at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, means operable to prevent rewind of one of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of the other of said tapes, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said other tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said one tape, means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof, and means to render said control means ineffective when unwinding said tapes to said preselected positions thereof.

3. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, means to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously t rewind the same, control means operable to effect rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions thereof at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the timeindications marked thereon, means operable to prevent rewind of one of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of the other of said tapes, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said other tape operab e at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said one tape, means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof. and means to render said control means ineffective to control rewind travel of said tapes. 4. In a time switch of the character described, a of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, means to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon. means opposing unwindin of said tapes and tending con inuously to rewind the same, control means Of able to effect rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions thereof at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, means operable to prevent rewind of one of said tapes until terminaill tion of rewind travel of the other of said tapes, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said other tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said one tape, means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof, means to re.- der said control means inefiective to control rewind travel of the tapes, and means effective upon operation of said last mentioned means to retard rewind travel of the tapes when said control means is rendered ineffective.

5. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, reel members operable to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously to rewind the same. means associated with said reel members operable to control rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, brake means operable upon. unwinding of one of said tapes to prevent rewind of the other of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of said one tape, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and to effect disengagement of said brake means and initiate rewind travel of said other tape, and means carried said other tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof.

6. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, reel members actuable to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously to rewind the same, means associated with said reel members to control rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, brake means operable upon unwinding of one of said tapes to prevent rewind of the other of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of said one tape, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said other tape, means carried by said other tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof, and means to render said control means ineffective upon actuation of said reel members to unwind said tapes to such preselected positions.

. In a time switch of the character described, pair of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, reel members actuable to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously to rewind the same, means to control rewind of said tapes from said preselec ed positions at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, brake means operable upon unwinding of one of said tapes to prevent rewind of the other of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of said one tape, switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said other tape, means carried by said other tape operable at the end ofrewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to-off position thereof, and meansoperableat willto render said control means ineffective to control rewind travel of said pes. Y 8. In a time switch of the characterdescribed, a pair of coiled tapes each having time indica tions marked longitudinallythereon; reel -members actuable to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously to rewind the same, means to control rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, brake means operable upon unwinding of one of said tapes to prevent rewind of the other of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of said one tape, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said one tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said other tape, means carried by said other tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof, means operable at will to render said control means inefiective to control rewind travel of said tapes, and means effective upon operation of said last mentioned means to retard rewind travel of said tapes when said control means is rendered ineffective.

9. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of coiled tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, reel members actuable to unwind said tapes to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, means opposing unwinding of said tapes and tending continuously to rewind the same, means to control rewind of said tapes from said. preselected positions at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, brake means operable upon unwinding of one of said tapes to prevent rewind of the other of said tapes until termination of rewind travel of said one tape, a switch arranged to be selectively actuated to on and off positions, means carried by said one tape oper able at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and initiate rewind travel of said other tape, means carried by said other tape operable at the end of rewind travel thereof to actuate said switch to off position thereof, means to render said control means ineffective upon actuation of said reel members to unwind said tapes to such preselected positions, means operable at will to render said control means ineifective to control rewind travel of said tapes, and means effective upon operation of said last mentioned means to retard rewind travel of said tapes when said control means is rendered ineffective.

10. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of independently rotatable members, first and second tapes respectively mounted on said members, said tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, first and second reel members having the free ends of said -12 first and second tapes respectively connected thereto and arranged to be actuated successively to wind said tapes thereon to preselected settings with reference to thetime indications thereon, spring means tending to rewind said tapes on the rotatable members, control means normally operable to'effect rewind of the tapes upon the rotatable members at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond to the time indications on said tapes, means including a switch arranged to be selectably actuated to on and off positions, brake means actuable upon actuation of said secondmeel member operable to engage the first reel member andprevent rewind travel of first tape during rewind travel or" the second tape,

means associated with said second tape operable to actuate said sw tch to on position thereof at the termination of rewind travel. of said second tape and to effect disengagement brake means from said first reel thereby ii tiating rewind travel of said-first tape, and means associated with said first tape operable to actuate said switch to off position thereof at the termination of rewind travel of said fi tape.

11. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of independently rotatable lli6l1il;cl$, first and second tapes respectively mounted on said members, said tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally the eon, first and second reel members having the i ends of first and second tapes respectively connected thereto and arranged to be actuated successively to Wind said tapes thereon to preselected. settings with reference to the time indications thereon, spring means tending to rewind the tapes on said rotatable members, control m "if; normally operable to eifect rewind of the upon the rotatable members at a predeterminedv constant speed times to correspond to the indications on said tapes, means including a switch arra mod to be selectablyactuatedto on and off positions, brake means actuable upon actuation of said second reel member operable to engage the t reel member and prevent, rewind travel of tape dur ing rewind travel of said second means associated with said second tape operable to 'l uate said switch to on position the: of the to .ttion of rewind travel of and from .d travel said first reel thereby initiat' of said first tape, means tape operable to actuate position thereof at the termination of travel of said first tape, and means operable at will to render said control ineiiec lve to control rewind travel of said tapes.

12. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of independently rotatable members, first and second tapes respectively mounted on said members, said tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, first d second reel members having the free ends of said first and second tapes respectively connected thereto and arranged to be actuated successively to wind said tapes thereon to reselec'ted settings with reference to the time indications thereon, spring means tending to rewind the tapes on said rotatable members, control means normally operable to efiect rewind of the tapes upon the rotatable members at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond to the indications on said tapes, means including a switch arranged to be selectably actuated to on and oil positions, brake means actuable upon actuation of said second reel member operable to engage the first reel member and prevent rewind travel of said first tape during rewind travel of said second tape, means associated with said second tape operable to actuate said switch to on position thereof at the termination of rewind travel of said second tape and to efiect disengagement of said brake means from said first reel thereby initiating rewind travel of said first tape, means associated with said first tape operable to actuate said switch to the ofi position thereof at the termination of rewind travel of said first tape, means operable at will to render said control means ineffective to control rewind travel of said tapes, and friction means effective upon operation of said last mentioned means to retard rewind travel of said tapes when said control means is rendered ineffective.

13. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of independently rotatable members, first and second tapes respectively mounted on said members, said tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, first and second reel members having the free ends of said first and second tapes respectively connected thereto and arranged to be actuated successively in one direction to wind said tapes thereon to preselected settings with reference to the time indications thereon, spring means tending to rewind the tapes on said rotatable members, control means associated with said reel members normally operable to effect rewind of the tapes upon the rotatable members at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond to the indications on said tapes, means to render said control means ineffective to control said reel members when the latter are actuated in said one direction to wind the tapes thereon to said preselected positions, means including a switch arranged to be selectably actuated to on and off positions, brake means actuable upon actuation of said second reel member in said one direction operable to engage the first reel member and prevent rewind travel of said first tape, means carried by said second tape operable to actuate said switch to on position thereof at the termination of rewind travel of said second tape and to effect disengagement of said brake means from said first reel thereby initiating rewind travel of said first tape, and means carried by said first tape operable to actuate said switch to the off position thereof at the termination of rewind travel of said first tape.

14. In a time switch of the character described, :1 pair of independently rotatable members, first and second tapes respectively mounted on said members, said tapes each having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, first and second reel members having the free ends of said first and second tapes respectively connected thereto and arranged to be actuated successively in one direction to wind said tapes thereon to preselected settings with reference to the time indications thereon, spring means tending to rewind the tapes on said rotatable members, control means associated with said reel members normally operable to effect rewind of the tapes upon the rotatable members at a predetermined constant speed times to correspond to the indications on said tapes, means to render said control means ineffective to control said reel members when the latter are actuated in said one direction to wind the tapes thereon to said preselected positions, means including a switch arranged to be selectably actuated to on and off positions, brake means actuable upon actuation of said second reel member in said one direction operable to engage the first reel member and prevent rewind travel of said first tape, means carried by said second tape operable to actuate said switch to on position thereof at the termination of rewind travel of said second tape and to effect disengagement of said brake means from said first reel thereby initiating rewind travel of said first tape, means carried by said first tape operable to actuate said switch to the off position thereof at the termination of rewind travel of said first tape, and means operable at will to render said control means ineffective to control rewind travel of said tapes.

15. In a time switch of the character described, a pair of coiled tapes normally biased into coiled relationship and having time indications marked longitudinally thereon, means to unwind said tapes individually to preselected positions with reference to the time indications thereon, mechanism operable to control rewind of said tapes from said preselected positions at a predetermined constant speed timed to correspond with the time indications marked thereon, means 01)- erable to prevent rewind of one of said tapes until termination of rewind of the other of said tapes, a switch arranged for actuation between on and off positions, and means controlled by said other tape operable at the termination of rewind thereof to actuate said switch to on position thereof and effect initiation of rewind travel of said one tape.

ANDREW K. BURNS.

No references cited. 

